Whether you are legally required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle depends entirely on your location. There is no single answer that applies nationwide in the United States; it varies significantly by state.
State Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle helmet laws in the U.S. fall into different categories: universal, partial, or no law.
Universal Helmet Laws
States with universal helmet laws require all motorcycle riders, regardless of age or experience, to wear a helmet. According to the reference provided:
- As of October 2021, there were 18 States and the District of Columbia that have helmet laws that require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet while riding (IIHS, 2021b).
This means that in these 18 states and D.C., the answer is a clear yes, you are legally required to wear a helmet.
States Without Helmet Laws
Conversely, some states have chosen not to enact any laws mandating helmet use for motorcycle riders. Based on the reference:
- Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire do not have motorcycle helmet laws.
In these specific states, there is no state law requiring you to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
Other States
It's important to note that states not mentioned as having universal laws or no laws often have partial helmet laws. Partial laws typically require only certain riders to wear helmets, such as:
- Riders under a specific age (e.g., 18 or 21)
- Riders with less riding experience
- Riders who have not completed a safety course
- Riders who do not have adequate health insurance coverage
Determining the exact requirement requires checking the specific laws for the state you are riding in.
Summary of Helmet Law Types
Here's a quick overview based on the general categories and the reference:
| Helmet Law Type | Who Must Wear a Helmet? | Examples Based on Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Law | All riders | 18 States & D.C. (as of Oct 2021) |
| Partial Law | Specific groups of riders (e.g., age, experience) | (Not detailed in reference) |
| No Helmet Law | No state-mandated requirement | Illinois, Iowa, New Hampshire |
While laws dictate the legal requirement, many safety advocates and health organizations strongly recommend wearing a helmet at all times, regardless of the law, due to the significant safety benefits.
In conclusion: You are legally required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle if you are in one of the 18 states or the District of Columbia with a universal helmet law (as of Oct 2021). You are generally not legally required if you are in Illinois, Iowa, or New Hampshire. In other states, the requirement depends on partial laws based on factors like age or experience.
